Loved ones paid tribute to a ‘hugely talented’ artist who was shot while trying to protect his friends and family.

A candlelit vigil was held for former Hanwell resident, Clinton de Menezes, 43, who was killed after armed raiders broke into his friend’s house in Westville, South Africa, on New Year’s Eve.

Morna McAulay, friend and owner of the Clocktower Café in the Uxbridge Road where he was remembered last night (January 6) described Mr de Menezes as a compassionate person who would always listen and bring out the best in people.

She said he was well known, respected and liked in the area, he was a wonderful husband to his wife Nicola and father to his seven-year-old daughter Eva, a kind man, and a unique person. She said he married his wife about a year ago and they were very in love.

Close friend Janne Mantykoski, 41, of Hanwell said: “Clinton was incredibly good fun, very warm and friendly. Our wives get along very well and our children always played together.

“He very quickly felt like family- nobody can believe it. It’s something you read about, not something that happens to your close friend.

“After 20 years of struggling, his career was just about to go ballistic but of course he never got to complete his project.”

Roo Joshi, another friend, said he was vibrant, positive, upbeat and always had the time to say hello.

Tony and Diane Licastro said that words cannot describe the friend they have lost. They said: “His daughter Eva is quite a painter and we hope and pray Clinton is looking down on her.”

South Africa’s Daily News website reported how Mr Menezes had ‘died a hero’ after going to the aid of his friend Simon Malpas who was trying to prevent robbers from entering his home.

Mr de Menezes had lived in Ealing for a number of years but emigrated to Kenya in September last year with his family.

An art installation which he made for the Clocktower Cafe in Hanwell was unveiled by the Mayor of Ealing in July of last year. He also had works on display at galleries as far afield as New York.